Should You Get a Chinese Crested Dog?
The Chinese crested dog is known for its affectionate and loving temperament. They are friendly, outgoing, and enjoy the company of their owners. They are also playful, intelligent, and adaptable, making them great companions for individuals or families looking for a loyal and fun-loving pet.
The Chinese Crested is an ancient breed
with a rich history that can be traced back to at least the 13th century in China. These unique dogs were originally bred to be companion animals, providing affection and companionship to their owners. Interestingly, they were also highly valued by sailors who would bring them on board Chinese ships to hunt vermin. With their agile and alert nature, Chinese Cresteds proved to be excellent hunters, helping to keep ships free of pests during long voyages.
It is Believed the Chinese Crested
has its origins in Africa, specifically stemming from the African Hairless Terrier. Many experts suggest that Chinese Cresteds are essentially a smaller version of the African hairless dog. In fact, they were once referred to as “African Lion Dogs.”
By the mid-20th century, the Chinese Crested
was on the verge of extinction, with only a handful of dogs remaining in existence. It seemed as though this unique and beautiful breed was destined to disappear forever. However, thanks to the tireless efforts of a dedicated group of breeders, the Chinese Crested was saved from the brink of extinction. These passionate individuals worked diligently to revive the breed, crossing the remaining Chinese Cresteds with other small breeds such as the Miniature Poodle and the Chihuahua. This careful breeding program not only increased the breed’s genetic diversity but also helped to preserve its unique characteristics and traits.
In Landmark Research on Modern Dog Breed
development, the Chinese Crested has been shown to share the most DNA with an ancestor of the following breeds:
Chihuahua
Pekingese
Xoloitzcuintli
There are two versions of Chinese Crested
hairless and “powderpuff”. The hairless version is more common while the powderpuff is not seen as much because of the dogs genetic make-up. Some owners claim the powderpuff has a “bolder” personality.
According to FCI Breed Standard
the Chinese Crested can reach up to 13 inches in height and up to 12 pounds in weight. Accepted coat colors are:
“Any colour or combination of colours.”
Chinese Crested’s Have some Unique
physical characteristics, aside from being hairless, the have elongated-rabbit-like paws and missing teeth. The gene that causes hairlessness, forkhead I3 gene (FOXI3), also causes abnormal dentation. the They also tend to have a rather distinctive howl.
Growing Up Chinese Crested
Get a FREE Video of your dog HERE!
How Fast Can a Chinese Crested Run?
The AKC Conducts Dog Racing Trials each December in Orlando, FL. called the Fast CAT Invitational. This is a 100 yard race where dogs run individually chasing a lure. The average running speed by Chinese Crested’s is about 20 mph. The fastest recorded speed by a Chinese Crested was by a dog named Gracieux Flamin’ Hot Romance at 25.70 mph!
Chinese Crested’s Love Attention
from their humans, but generally do not like to be picked up or held too much because it makes them feel out of control. They want attention on their terms. Some will actually jump up and sit on their humans shoulder! They tend to suffer from separation anxiety more than many other breeds.
The CBARQ Dog Temperament Research
study, conducted at the University of Pennsylvania, is a giant study of over 300 dog breeds and 60,000 individual dogs. In this study, the Chinese Crested ranks 2 out of 124 breeds in fear of strangers. They may tend to avoid them and crouch, tremble or display fear when approached. The only breed to score higher in this trait is the miniature Dachshund.
In this Same Research
the Chinese Crested ranks VERY high (3 out of 124 breeds) in displaying aggression towards other unfamiliar dogs. Aggression is defined as a dog’s reaction when another canine enters their personal space/territory. It can be trough barking, growling, bearing teeth or, in extreme cases, lunging or biting. The two breeds that scored higher in this area are the Jack Russell Terrier and the American Eskimo Dog.
Chinese Crested Humor!
In the Landmark Book
entitled, “The Intelligence of Dogs”, professor Stanley Coren researched and documented the intelligence of over 130 different dog breeds. In his book, the Chinese Crested ranks 61 out of 138 breeds in working/obedience intelligence. Essentially this means they will learn new commands in 40 to 80 repetitions and obey first commands more than 30% of the time. This puts them in the “fair working and obedience intelligence” category. In contrast, the most intelligent breeds will learn the same command in 5 repetitions or less!
Chinese Crested’s Have an Average
lifespan of 13-18 years. They tend to be prone to food allergies and acne. Corn, beats, wool and lanolin are things that can trigger allergic reactions. They should be fed a high quality diet. Some owners claim feeding a raw diet suits them better because of their unique teeth. They may also suffer from the following health conditions:
Luxating Patella’s
Legg-Calve-Perthes disease
Many owners compare them
to cats because of their love for sitting in high places, such as the back of a couch or chair. This quirky behavior adds to their clownish and unique personality, making them a lot of fun to be around!
Check Your Chinese Crested Dog Facts and Take a Fun Chinese Crested Quiz!
Facts About the Chinese Crested Dog – Final Thoughts
The Chinese Crested dog breed offers a unique combination of characteristics that make them truly special. From the hairless variety, known for their distinct appearance and personalities, to the powderpuff dogs with their silky hair and full coat, Chinese Cresteds come in different forms but all share the same toy breed size. Whether you choose a hairless Chinese Crested puppy or one with a double coat, these small dogs are known for their high activity level and agility, making them perfect companions for agility competitions. It’s important to keep in mind that hairless breeds may require extra protection in cold weather and sunburn prevention through the use of sunscreen while the pups with full body hair may require a groomer to keep them looking sharp.
